hurricaneshurricanes
What is a hurricane
A Hurricane is a
tropical cyclone with
wind speeds that
exceed 64 knots (74
mph) and circulate
counter-clockwise in
the Northern
Hemisphere
(clockwise in the
Southern Hemisphere).
stages of hurricane
development
1:Tropical Depression: A low-
pressure system forms with
winds less than 39 mph (63 km/h).
2:Tropical Storm: When winds
reach 39-73 mph (63-118 km/h), the
storm becomes a tropical
storm.
3:Hurricane: When winds exceed
74 mph (119 km/h), the storm
becomes a hurricane.
1:Tropical Depression: A low-
pressure system forms with
winds less than 39 mph (63 km/h).
2:Tropical Storm: When winds
reach 39-73 mph (63-118 km/h), the
storm becomes a tropical
storm.
3:Hurricane: When winds exceed
74 mph (119 km/h), the storm
becomes a hurricane.
Where do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes typically form near the equator, in tropical and
subtropical regions. This is because water temperatures
must be at least 80°F (27°C) for the storm to develop.
parts of a hurricane
Eye: The calm center of the
storm.
Eye Wall: The region
surrounding the eye with
the strongest winds and
heaviest rains.
Spiral Rain Bands: Bands of
rain and storms that
spiral outward from the
center.
Methods Scientists Use to Take
Measurements
Hurricane Hunters:
Aircraft flown into the
storm to measure wind
speeds and collect data.
Satellites: Used to
monitor the storm from
space, providing data on
its size, speed, and
location.
Doppler Radar: Measures
wind speed and
precipitation levels
Saffir-Simpson Scale
The Saffir-Simpson scale
classifies hurricanes into five
categories based on wind speed:
Category 1: Winds 74-95 mph
(minimal damage).
11..
Category 2: Winds 96-110 mph
(extensive damage).
22..
Category 3: Winds 111-129 mph
(devastating damage).
33..
Category 4: Winds 130-156 mph
(catastrophic damage).
44..
Category 5: Winds over 157 mph
(catastrophic damage).
55..
The Saffir-Simpson scale
classifies hurricanes into five
categories based on wind speed:
Category 1: Winds 74-95 mph
(minimal damage).
1.
Category 2: Winds 96-110 mph
(extensive damage).
2.
Category 3: Winds 111-129 mph
(devastating damage).
3.
Category 4: Winds 130-156 mph
(catastrophic damage).
4.
Category 5: Winds over 157 mph
(catastrophic damage).
5.
Hurricanes cause five types of damage:
Wind Damage: Destruction of buildings,
trees, and power lines.
Flooding: Caused by heavy rains and
storm surge.
Storm Surge: Rise in sea level due to
wind-driven water.
Tornadoes: Hurricanes can spawn
tornadoes that cause additional
damage.
Power Outages: Due to wind and
flooding damage to electrical
infrastructure
damage caused by hurricanes
